“Language reveals mindset”: Priyank Kharge targets Amit Shah over Parliament remarks

Karnataka Minister and senior Congress leader Priyank Kharge on Sunday sharply criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for using what he called “unparliamentary” language in the Lok Sabha , saying it reflected a deeper disregard for democratic norms , accountability , and respect for constitutional values .

Kharge’s comments followed a heated exchange in Parliament on December 10, when Shah, responding to repeated challenges from Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi over allegations of “vote chori” and irregularities in the voter list , reportedly said, “Saala… oops… kaat dena,” explicitly using the word “Saala” in a sharp retort. The remark, aimed at dismissing Gandhi’s accusations, was widely condemned as unparliamentary .

Reacting on X, Kharge wrote, “They say your language reveals your mindset. But what was even more telling was the response from the Chair; a smile, and silence. No reprimand. No accountability. No respect for parliamentary decorum. No respect for the Constitution.” He further added, “This is what the BJP-RSS have reduced our democracy to: a serious institution mocked into a spectacle.”

The clash occurred as Rahul Gandhi pressed Shah to respond directly to his three press conferences, which raised concerns including alleged fake voters and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Shah defended the procedure, saying it aims to sanitise voter lists and ensure transparency , while accusing the opposition of double standards . He added that anti-incumbency affects only those who act against public interest and insisted Parliament would not operate according to Gandhi’s demands.

The confrontation ultimately led to a walkout by opposition members, sparking a fresh political row . Observers noted that the lack of any reaction from the Chair was surprising, especially since even when other members refer to the Prime Minister as “Modi,” the Chair has often intervened to insist on using respectful language. That no action was taken against Shah’s use of such language raises questions about consistency , decorum , and accountability in parliamentary proceedings.